In a statement summarizing the call, Kirby said Hagel expressed to Defense Minister Ghazi Jeribi the high priority the United States places on supporting Tunisia as it continues its democratic transition.

“Secretary Hagel also thanked Tunisia for its history of strong military-to-military relations with the U.S. and expressed his commitment to maintaining this relationship in the future,” Kirby said. The secretary also congratulated the Tunisian government on the success of its recent counterterrorism operations, he added.